About Us

Empowering Success Through Martial Arts

Welcome to Ryse Martial Arts, where our mission is to empower students to achieve success through disciplined martial arts training in Louisville, Kentucky. We prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal growth and respect. By teaching discipline that encompasses mind, body, and spirit, we help our students accomplish their goals. Our expert instructors, including Sensei Ben Mull and Renshi Jerry Mull, bring years of experience and passion to every class, ensuring that each student receives the highest quality instruction. At Ryse Martial Arts, we believe in the transformative power of martial arts to shape individuals into their best selves, instilling discipline, respect, and perseverance that extend beyond the dojo into everyday life.

MEET Ben Mull

Owner & Head Instructor at Ryse Martial Arts

Jerry Mull

Renshi Martial Arts Instructor

Renshi Mull embarked on his martial arts journey at the tender age of five, fueled by a passion that has now spanned over five decades. With a wealth of experience in both teaching and competing, he has honed his skills across various disciplines. Notably, holding a prestigious 6th-degree Black Belt in karate, he also boasts expertise in multiple other forms of martial arts, showcasing his dedication and mastery in the field.

Justin Margotto

Instructor

Justin Margotto has over 40 years of martial arts experience, a journey that began when he started training at just five years old. By the age of nine, he had earned his black belt and was already traveling to compete, building a foundation of discipline, dedication, and lifelong respect for martial arts.

Throughout the years, Justin has had the opportunity to compete at the highest levels of the sport, earning multiple world championship titles, several #1 national rankings, and holding the #1 regional ranking for over a decade. While these accomplishments reflect years of hard work, his focus has always remained on continual growth and giving back through teaching.

Justin also holds black belts in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu and Kobudō, and is a 4th-degree black belt in karate. One of the most meaningful parts of his martial arts journey today is being able to watch his own children begin and grow in their training, experiencing firsthand the same lessons of discipline, confidence, and perseverance that martial arts has given him throughout his life.



At Ryse, he brings decades of experience and a passion for helping students and families grow stronger—on and off the mat.

Sentyaset Mull

Instructor

Sentyaset Mull began her martial arts journey later in life as an adult. Wanting to feel stronger, empowered, and healthier, she decided to give karate a try—something she now considers one of the best decisions she has ever made. She earned her black belt under Sensei Ben Mull and along the way, discovered a passion for competitive martial arts and now competes nationally.



Sentyaset loves teaching and is especially passionate about empowering the next generation of students—particularly women. She believes martial arts can change lives and that it is never too late to begin your journey.

Cody Houston

Instructor

Cody Houston began his martial arts journey in Flint, training under Jacky and Dora King at King's Karate. With 11 years of martial arts experience as both a child and adult, he earned his 2nd-degree black belt as a teenager and developed a deep respect for the discipline and perseverance martial arts teaches.

Cody credits martial arts with shaping him into a better person and teaching him the value of never giving up. He especially enjoys helping kids build self-confidence and seeing their growth each time they come to class.

He first discovered Ryse after seeing Ben compete on YouTube and was inspired to come experience the school for himself. Today, he enjoys being part of a team that helps students grow stronger both on and off the mat. 

Nick Chandler

Head of Operations

Nick Chandler serves as Head of Operations at Ryse and plays an essential role in keeping the school running smoothly each day. Known to students and families as “Mr. Nick” he is often the first friendly face people see when they walk through the door and a steady presence that helps create the welcoming environment Ryse is known for.

A lifelong friend of Ben since childhood, Nick has played an integral role in helping grow the school alongside him. From managing daily operations to supporting students, families, and staff, his behind-the-scenes leadership helps keep Ryse strong and functioning at its best every day. 

Melissa Kerr

Front Desk Coordinator

Melissa Kerr helps keep Ryse organized and welcoming through her work at the front desk, where she assists with check-ins, supports daily operations, and helps students and families feel welcome.

Melissa’s connection to Ryse is deeply rooted in her family’s involvement at the school. Her husband and their two children train at Ryse, with her son beginning to make his mark in the world of sport karate. Their dedication has quickly made martial arts a shared part of their family life.

Together, Melissa and her family have become an important part of the Ryse community, bringing energy, support, and a strong sense of connection that reflects what Ryse is all about.

Our programs cater to all age groups, from young children in our Lil Champs Kids Martial Arts classes to adults seeking advanced training. We offer a variety of classes, including the Junior Black Belt Club, Adult Martial Arts, Competition Team, and Private Martial Arts Lessons, all designed to meet the needs of our diverse student body. Whether you are looking to improve your physical fitness, learn self-defense techniques, or build self-confidence, Ryse Martial Arts provides the perfect environment to achieve your goals. Join us and become part of a community that values mutual respect, personal excellence, and lifelong learning. Try our classes for two weeks and experience the empowering journey of martial arts at Ryse Martial Arts in Louisville, Kentucky.